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Gov. Chris Christie's administration said it hopes the extra aid will speed the rebuilding. Dozens of businesses were destroyed in the blaze on a boardwalk that had only recently been repaired from damage it sustained in Sandy.

"We're moving as swiftly and aggressively as we can to help these communities and their boardwalk businesses rebuild from this unfortunate stumbling block to our overall Sandy recovery," Christie said.

Businesses are just starting to realize the staggering costs of rebuilding. Dan Shouger, the manager of Funtown Amusement Pier, estimates dozens of arcade games costing about $10,000 apiece were destroyed.

NEW IMAGES: Massive Boardwalk Fire

"A lot of us don't have insurance, we don't have insurance on our contents in the building," he said. "We would be responsible to replace all of it."

Christie called the damage to some existing structures a safety hazard that needed to be addressed quickly. He said that covering the cost of debris removal would allow governments and businesses to "get down to work immediately to restore one of the Jersey Shore's most iconic boardwalks."

Business owners are not being allowed to return to their stores until officials complete their investigation and deem it safe for people to return.

The funding will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority through an existing Sandy block grant program.

"The extensive damage caused by Thursday's fire has made the Seaside community's recovery from Superstorm Sandy all the more difficult," said Richard Constable, the state community affairs commissioner. He said his staff will work with local officials to determine which fire-damaged buildings are unsafe and need to be torn down.

State officials and local relief organizations were on hand Monday afternoon to offer assistance to businesses and residents affected by Thursday's fire, which destroyed four blocks of boardwalk businesses. Representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and other agencies provided information at the Seaside Heights Municipal Complex.

"They've lost their livelihoods, a lot of people who didn't expect to be unemployed are unemployed," said Patricia Donaghue of People's Pantry.

Over the weekend Christie also pledged $15 million in state aid to the burned businesses, also using Sandy recovery money.

"We have a long way to go," said roofer Paul Soucy. "We didn't even get caught up from Superstorm Sandy yet."